Program description

This course consists of 90 hours of classroom and clinical instruction: 74 hours of training will be classroom theory instruction and clinical skills lab training; 16 hours of training will occur as clinical instruction at a long-term care facility. Each student will receive a certificate after successfully completing the program.

After successfully completing the program, each student must take the competency exam in order to practice in the state of Arkansas. The competency exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) exam, and a skills lab demonstration. To pass, each individual must pass both the written (or oral) exam and the skills demonstration.

Program cost

The total cost to enroll in the CNA program is $850.00, which includes:

$850.00 total

Tuition$650.00
Non-refundable fee$100.00
Course materials$100.00

If paying online, a processing fee will be added to your total. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash.

Payment plan

We offer a flexible payment plan to help you get started.

Evening classes

At enrollment: pay $450.00
Week 2: pay the remaining balance of $400.00 at the beginning (Monday) of the second week of class

Daytime classes

At enrollment: pay $450.00
Week 1: pay the remaining balance of $400.00 at the end (Friday) of the first week of class

Important: Payments not received by the due date may result in the student being withdrawn from the program and forfeit of the non-refundable fee, unless prior arrangements have been made with the administrator. Students who are dropped for non-payment will not be permitted to join a future class to make up missed time. To re-enroll, the full course tuition and fees must be paid again in full.

State testing

PAL CNA Training Academy is not a testing site for the competency exam. If you are sponsored by a long-term care facility or through a grant program, your state testing fees are often covered. If you are not sponsored by a facility or other organization, you will be responsible for paying the full testing fee yourself.

In Arkansas, the current cost is $125 per student, which includes both the written and skills portions of the CNA exam. This fee is set by Headmaster and is subject to change.

For help with scheduling, testing dates, or payment questions, you can reach Headmaster toll-free at 888-401-0462.

Prerequisites & class supplies

Registration requirements

Enrollment into the CNA program is open to individuals regardless of whether they have earned a high school diploma or GED. However, all applicants must be at least 16 years of age, be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English at a minimum 10th-grade level, and be able to see, hear, and lift at least 50 lbs.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must provide documentation of a negative TB skin test or chest X-ray conducted within the last 12 months. During flu season (October through March), proof of a current influenza vaccination is required. All students must complete a criminal background check at their own cost. Please contact First Choice Drug Testing and Occupational Health Services Inc. at 501-661-9992, located at 6400 Scott Hamilton Dr, Little Rock, AR 72209, to complete the check.

Background screening & eligibility. Due to the sensitive nature of the healthcare field, certain criminal offenses will result in permanent disqualification from both attending PAL CNA Training Academy and from future employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas. They include, but are not limited to:

Capital murder; murder in the first and second degrees; manslaughter
Kidnapping; robbery and aggravated robbery
Battery in the first degree; rape and sexual assault; incest
Endangering the welfare of a minor; adult abuse
Theft; arson; burglary; and certain drug offenses

This list may not be complete. Please see Arkansas Code § 20-38-101 for the official, detailed list.

Class supplies

Students are required to arrive prepared with the following items:

Navy blue scrubs
Regular tennis shoes suitable for class and clinical settings
Watch with a second hand (smart watches are not acceptable)
Notebook, pens, and highlighters for taking notes and organizing material

Having these items from the first day of class helps ensure a smooth and successful experience in the program.

Enrollment & associated fees

Students who wish to enroll must complete an online application that includes a valid start date. While we may reach out after receiving your application, it is your responsibility to contact us to submit payment no later than the Friday before your selected class begins.

Submitting an application does not reserve your seat in the program. To guarantee placement, we strongly recommend submitting either the full tuition or your first installment (if using the payment plan) immediately after applying. Our CNA classes often fill quickly; if you wait until the deadline to pay, the class may already be full.